I know it’s hard to believe, but there was a time before Fifty Shades of Grey made Jamie Dornan a household name and the object of our desire. The movie isn’t even coming out for another 11 months, but we’re already obsessed with all things Jamie and have no problem fanning ourselves just thinking of him as Christian Grey.

Jamie Dornan’s fame is skyrocketing, and as the release date for the movie gets closer, we can only imagine it’s going to shoot even higher. But once upon a time, this sexy Irish born actor was mostly famous for his famous girlfriend Keira Knightley.

The couple dated for two years after meeting at a photo shoot in 2003. She was at the height of her Pirates of the Caribbean fame, and having such a famous girlfriend thrust Jamie into the spotlight too.

He told ES magazine, “I don't think I'm ever going to be as famous as her ... it's a strange environment, being hounded. The paparazzi are cretins. There are so many ways to make a living that don't involve hiding in bushes outside the houses of 18-year-old girls."

Jamie and Keira may have moved on from their relationship, but that initial brush of fame definitely paved the way for dealing with the onslaught he’s about to get from playing Christian Grey.

Do you think Jamie Dornan minds the attention he's getting for Fifty Shades of Grey?